Praise be to Allaah.

Wailing is forbidden for both men and women according to the well-known imaams. It was reported in al-Saheeh that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If the woman who wails does not repent before she dies, on the Day of Resurrection she will be wearing a garment of scabs and pants made of melted tar.” In al-Sunan it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the woman who wails and the one who listens to her. In al-Saheeh it is reported that he said: “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garments and says things like the people of Jaahiliyyah say.” For women to uncover their faces where strangers (i.e., men to whom they are not related) can see them is not permitted. The man who is in charge must enjoin what is good and forbid this evil and others. Whoever does not refrain from doing this should be punished in such a way as to make them stop, especially women who wail at gravesides, because this is a sin that is hated by Allaah and His Messenger, as it involves panic, lamenting and wailing. It hurts the dead and causes fitnah (trial, temptation) to the living, and consumes people’s wealth unlawfully. It makes people forget about the patience and hope for reward enjoined upon them by Allaah, and it may lead to evil deeds. The Muslims should put a stop to such practices. And Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.